Connecting at NPC24
Inspiration came from more than 200 sessions and mobile workshops at the American Planning Association's (APA) 2024 National Planning Conference (NPC24), but connections were made inside the HUB.
Whether you traveled solo, with friends, or with colleagues to Minneapolis, a variety of activities inside the HUB provided opportunities to meet and greet fellow attendees from around the country — and even the world.
Let's Get Talking
Minneapolis-centric icebreakers were provided during the Opening Celebration to help engage with fellow attendees around a common interest.
Representatives from various APA Divisions, like the International Division, were available inside the HUB so attendees could learn about connecting with others sharing a similar planning interest or passion.
Inside the Student Lounge, attendees could showcase their Lego skills, reconstructing the iconic Nicolet Mall.
Creativity Flowing
Creative activities provided a backdrop to allow conversations to blossom. From flower-making to friendship bracelets to adding equity flair (aka buttons) to your conference lanyard, attendees had a variety of activities to enjoy.
Multiple activities throughout the HUB provided the opportunity to connect and meet fellow NPC24 attendees.
Attendees could add their creative touch to buttons illustrating their support for advancing equity within the profession.
The Backyard in the HUB provided a conversation spot but also offered activities and games like friendship bracelet making, Connect Four, and bags.
Giving Back
More than 2,000 snack packs were assembled by NPC24 attendees. The snack packs are going to Project for Pride in Living, a local Minneapolis nonprofit, that will hand out the packs to students in alternative high schools and career center participants who may be experiencing food insecurity.
Attendees assemble snack packs as part of the community service project at NPC24.
Friendly Competition
A little competition never hurts anyone, right?
Attendees could test their planning knowledge in the heat of the moment during the Planners Feud game.
It got hot in the kitchen (aka the pickleball court) as attendees could challenge each other to a "friendly" game.
Read more about NPC24, including a wrap of what happened in Minneapolis.
Top image: Students and faculty from the University of Kansas inside the Student Lounge in the HUB at NPC24. Photos by Wiseowl Media.